Students, embassy in Beijing bid farewell to retiring Education Attaché

Kenyan students in Beijing on Sunday bid farewell to Education Attaché Innocent Mogunde, who is proceeding on retirement at the end of the month. 

Mogunde, a veteran teacher who served in various schools as a principal, rising through the ranks to deputy director of education, arrived in Beijing in August 2022.

Although he was to arrive in January, the COVID-19 travel restrictions could, however, not allow.  

For 35 years, he taught and led various high schools among them Bishop Mugendi Nyamokenye, Kipchimchim Boys High School and St Pauls Amasago.

During his time in China, he handled welfare cases affecting students, intervening where some got into problems and addressing some of the issues they raised across China. 

He encouraged the Kenyan Students Association in Beijing to continue working closely with the incoming education attaché, Deputy Ambassador Lynette Mwende and Amb Willy Bett.

He noted that Deputy Head of Mission Mwende was also a student in China and thus understands issues affecting them, while Amb Bett has prioritized their interests and is accessible.

Mogunde, who was the chairman of Kenyan education attaches, said he was able to coordinate the development of a handbook on their mandate. Its preparation is still underway. 

Other than Beijing, Kenya has education attaches in Washington, London, Canberra, Brussels, Pretoria and New Delhi. 

Education attaches, usually technical persons who have trained and worked as teachers, are charged with the responsibility of handling students studying abroad. 

They coordinate educational activities between the sending state and the receiving state, welfare and guidance to students, help with the processing of scholarships to higher education, maintain contacts with scholarship agencies, colleges and universities and facilitate students. 

The reception followed another farewell webinar by the Kenyans Studying in China Association the previous week. 

On Tuesday, Amb Bett also organised a farewell party for Mogunde and his spouse, Emelda, attended by the embassy staff and friends. 

Amb Bett praised his work for ensuring welfare of Kenyan students, seeking more collaborations for Kenyan universities and TVET institutions as well as avenues for more scholarships.

KENSAB president Yvonne Kendi said Mogunde's unwavering dedication, leadership, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the students’ community in China for the short time he served. 

"You've been not just an attache but also a teacher, guide, and fatherly figure. Your influence has shaped our academic journey and personal growth. As you embark on your next chapter back in Kenya, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the positive impact you've had on each of us," Kendi said.  

"May this new phase be filled with joy, fulfilment, and success. Though miles may separate us, your legacy and wisdom will forever resonate in our hearts. Please stay in touch, and may your future endeavours be as enriching as the lessons you've shared with us. I wish you a retirement filled with well-deserved joy and contentment," she added. 

On her part, KESCA president Wambui Kiarie Mogunde’s guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, and she was immensely grateful for the opportunity to have worked under his leadership.  

"Many students have praised him for his proactive service having transversed around 24 cities in which he has met most of the Kenyan students studying in China. He has continued to inspire countless students as he talked about projecting and promoting Kenya.  

"We as the students will miss his presence and are filled with gratitude for the time we have shared and the lessons he has imparted. We wish him the very best in his new chapter of life. His mentorship has made a lasting difference in our lives," Wambui said. 

Peter Gikonyo, speaking on behalf of PhD students, said Mogunde has been the best of the education officers, describing him as a mentor and a father figure.

Gikonyo, who also teaches at the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, said he hopes that even in retirement, Mogunde will be of valuable help to the society and the education sector.

This story was updated on February 28 to include his farewell by the Kenya embassy staff.